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Tour Review by British Superfan Alison Rowley

A dozen flashbulbs glittered in the darkness of London's O2 Arena, piercing the anticipation that hung heavily in the air. An electrifying hum built to a crescendo as 20,000 voices filled the vast space with a unanimous, unrelenting chant: "Britney! Britney! Britney!"

The daring acrobatic feats courtesy of New York's Big Apple Circus combined with Ciara's riveting performance had the sold-out June 6 show abuzz. The screams were deafening by the time the curtain rose and the introductory Perez Hilton clip began to play. As the final shot faded, a feverish frenzy erupted. The instantly recognizable opening bars of "Circus" could be heard and the entire crowd were soon on their feet, transfixed as Britney Spears descended from the rafters. Her head adorned with an elaborate headdress, Britney commanded attention as the authoritarian ringmaster, with aerialists spiralling about and plumes of smoke punctuating the song’s whip-crack beats. Soon all expectations melted away as a newly remixed version of the languid "Piece of Me" rang out and Britney emerged inside a gilded cage. Tabloids swirled on the screen as Spears gyrated and taunted the circling dancers (acting as paparazzi, hungry for that million-dollar photo.)

Throughout the night, amidst the swarming spectacle, edgy remixes and freshly tweaked costumes provided an element of surprise for those new to the Circus. Ruffled hot pants were substituted with a sleek, shiny pair during "Radar," an embellished one-piece along with a newly decorated cage came out for "I’m A Slave 4 U," and a bejeweled, black-paneled body suit had jaws dropping during "Touch of My Hand." Despite these subtle changes, the one constant throughout the night was Britney’s gleaming smile. Anyone who had previously doubted her investment in the tour can eat their words, as it was evident that she relished being center stage — she was on point, in top form and on fire. Any prior drama had been replaced with a self-assured poise, fierce enthusiasm and show-stopping energy. READ MORE (and view photos)...